Apr 1, 2015 - I'm starting to think they do this on purpose. So, I was cruisin' eBay and downloading pics. I came across a very nice looking Reference 54. Study of the great jazz baritone sax players throughout the years. Chaloff to Mulligan.and all points between. Host - Andrew Hadro.
• • • • Selmer Serial Number Ranges By Model Although, as the chart below illustrates, the Mark VI was produced until (roughly) serial #378000, this applies only to the Sopranino model. The Soprano, Baritone and Bass Mark VI saxophones were produced until serial #365000 in 1984, and Alto and Tenor Mark VI production ended (approximately) in 1975 at serial #239,595. Super Action 80 Series II, Series III and Reference horns are currently in production. Model Start # End # 1 (1904) 750 (1920) 750 (1922) 4,450 (1926) 4,451 (1926) 14,000 (1931) 11,951 (1928) 18,700 (1935) 14,000 (1931) 28,000 (1939) 20,900 (1935) 35,800 (1947) 27,000 (1938) 30,000 (1941) 33,401 (1946) 55,200 (1954) 55,201 (1954) 378,000 (1985) 231,000 (1974) 315,500 (1981) 315,501 (1981) 378,800 378,801 (1986) unknown unknown (2001) unknown.
I'm starting to think they do this on purpose. So, I was cruisin' eBay and downloading pics. Sql server standard edition download. I came across a very nice looking Reference 54 Kookaburra, one of the limited edition horns made as a tribute to Charlie 'Bird' Parker. You can plainly see the serial number: 596982.
Let me check the Wait a sec. 596982 = 2001. I'm pretty sure that the Kookaburra came out in '06.
I re-checked the website (which is mainly Flash, so I can't link to it). OK, let's check the for serials. Only goes up to 1992, s/n 490000. Wait a second. The serial number chart on for 1992 says 486000.
In other words, the French and US serial number charts don't match. It's just one year and 4000 horns, but still. Heck, that's what, 6 to 10 years or more of SML sax production? Here's the second thing. This Kookaburra, limited edition, painstakingly crafted, hand-made showpiece of Selmer that they only made a couple hundred of (total), has the wrong serial number stamped.
It probably should be 696982. Scroll down on a bit to see the justification for the 696xxx number. If you don't think this is a big deal, let's just change the horn mentioned: Some Guy: I've got a Selmer Mark VI Eb alto I inherited from my father, s/n 233976. I don't know anything about saxophones, but these are selling for $1.8 million on eBay. Music Shop: Dude.
That's not a Mark VI serial number. SG: I don't believe you. MS: Here's the serial number chart. Read it and weep.
You just have one of 'em. Tell ya what. I'll give you $150 for it.
In 50 years, you might be substituting 'Kookaburra Reference 54' in that conversation.